Transcript

2.3.26 · Washington Post

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Speaker 1: Welcome to the reading of the Washington Post for February third,
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two thousand twenty six. As a reminder, Radio I is
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a reading service intended for people who are blind or
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have other disabilities that make it difficult to read printed material.
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Your reader for to day is Patrick Leelucas. To day's
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front page headlines from the Washington Post are ed Martin
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loses bulk of his do J mandate, cutting off the
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life line. Surprise closure creates a crisis. Gaza Egypt crossing
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reopens after nearly two years. Vanfield convicted of killing wife
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in plot with a pair changes coming quickly to Venezuela,
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but relief still feels far from away for some. The
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first article from the front page of to Day's edition
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is entitled Justice Department demotes Ed Martin, stripping Trump ally
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of most authority. Martin will no longer head the Justice
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Department task force that pushed investigations into Trump's foes. By
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Perry Stein and Beth reinerd Top Justice Department officials have
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stripped Ed Martin of the bulk of his expansive responsibilities,
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leaving the staunch ally of President Donald Trump on the
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sidelines of many of the controversial investigations he has championed,
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according to two people familiar with the personnel move. As
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a result of the changes, Martin will no longer chair
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the Department's Weaponization Working Group, which was tasked with reviewing
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Special Counsel Jacksmith's prosecutions of Trump and other examples of
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what Trump sees as quote unquote prosecutorial abuse. According to
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the people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to
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discuss a personnel move that has not been made public,
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the group itself continues to meet. Martin also has lost
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his title as an Assistant Attorney General. Martin will continue
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to serve as the Justice Department's pardon attorney, but will
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no longer work at department headquarters. Instead, his office will
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be located in another Justice Department building in northeast Washington,
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pulling him away from the Attorney General and the most
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powerful figures in the department. According to a person familiar
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with the move, the pardon office is in that Northeast
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Washington building. Justice Department officials informed Martin in early December
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of the demotion, and it went into effect at the
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end of twenty twenty five. It is unclear whether he
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will remain in the pardon attorney role and if so
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for how long? Quote President Trump appointed Ed Martin as
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pardon attorney and Ed Martin continues to do a great
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job in that role, a Justice Department spokesperson said. Martin
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is a long time anti abortion activist who helped plan
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and finance the rally that preceded the January sixth, twenty
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twenty one riot at the U S. Capital. He has
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pushed debunked theories that Trump won the twenty twenty election,
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and in his role at the Justice Department, has worked
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on several election related issues. Soon after taking office, Trump
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named Martin to serve as the U. S Attorney for
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d C. Martin, who had no previous trial or prosecutorial experience,
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served in that role for fifteen weeks on an interim basis.
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His tenure was marked by his threats to investigate Trump's
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perceived political adversaries, as well as firings and emotions of
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career prosecutors who handled cases involving the president and the
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January sixth attack on the US Capitol. Trump pulled the
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nomination in May because Martin did not have enough Senate support,
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and instead gave him the senior Justice Department role, which
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did not require Senate confirmation. Martin, who is still close
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with the president, has rankled his nominal bosses at the
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Justice Department as he has deployed unconventional and controversial tactics
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in pursuits of investigations. As leader of the Weaponization Working Group,
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Martin has played an important role in the largely unsuccessful
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prosecutions of Trump's political foes, including New York Attorney General
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Letitia James, former FBI Director James B. Comey, and Senator
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Adams Shiff, Democrat of California. During the summer, for example,
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Martin was spotted posing for a photo outside James's home
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in Brooklyn, ostensibly as part of the mortgage fraud investigation
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into the state attorney general that he was leading. That
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stunt drew the ire of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche,
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who grew frustrated with Martin's handling of investigations. According to
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one person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the
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condition of annamity to discuss internal deliberations, the shift case
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led to a highly unusual situation in which federal prosecutors
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began examining Martin's actions. In November The Washington Post reported
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that prosecutors had questioned a witness in the Shift case
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about her contact with Martin and Federal Housing Finance Agency
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director Bill Poulty. The inquiries suggested that investigators were looking
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at whether Martin and Pulty used inappropriate tactics to launch
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probes of Schiff and others. The questions probed whether the
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true Trump officials divulged information about the Shift investigation to
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people who were not authorized to be part of it.
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Our next article, cutting off a lifeline free HIV drugs
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Save Lives. Why one state is restricting access for thousands
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and estimated sixteen thousand HIV and AIDS patients in Florida
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might lose free medication healthcare as the state dramatically rolls
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back a decade's old program. By David o'vale. Medications have
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kept Tory Samuel's HIV at bay for decades. The part
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time worker from Ocala, Florida, has survived and thrived, marrying
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her husband and giving birth to three children, none of
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whom have the virus. But now she risks losing access
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as Florida prepares to drastically restrict eligibility for free medication,
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putting treatment potentially out of reach for thousands of residents.
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A caseworker told Samuel forty three, that her family's household
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income of just over three thousand, eight hundred dollars a
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month is too much to receive assistance for pills that
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can cost more than five thousand dollars a month. Her
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medications are provided by the Florida AIDS Drug Assistance Program,
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funded through a federal initiative that has long served as
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a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Americans living with
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HIV who otherwise could not afford expensive anti retroviral drugs
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and care. State officials, citing financial difficulties, are lowering the
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income threshold to receive benefits and are no longer covering
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certain medications. Samuel, whose job processing packages doesn't offer health insurance,
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does not know how she'll pay for her medication when
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the restrictions take effect March first. Quote it's terrifying, and
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it's not just me in quote she said, quote, there's
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so many other people who are affected in quote. The
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National Alliance of State and Territorial Aids Directors NASTAD estimates
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that sixteen thousand Floridians will lose assistance for either the
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drugs or premiums for health plans that cover them. The
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January eighth announcement blind sided HIV nonprofits, public health advocates,
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and doctors who are scrambling to help patients find coverage
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and stay on medication. They call the Florida changes a
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dangerous move for public health at a time when millions
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of Americans, including people with HIV, are losing access to insurance.
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A new federal law will limit Medicaid eligibility, and some
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Americans can no longer pay for Affordable Care Act to
6:41
health plans because of the expiration of covid era subsidies,
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and some advocates fear other Red states could use Florida
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as a blueprint to pair back their drug assistants programs.
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Quote people forget about the early days of the epidemic,
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where without access to medication people died in Quote Harold Phillips,
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who headed the White House Office of National as Aids
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Policy under President Joe Biden and now serves as executive
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director of NMAC, an organization that advocates for people living
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with the virus. Quote those individuals who are on medication
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now need to stay on medication. The Florida Health Department
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said in a statement that the changes in the program
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stem from rising health care costs and a lack of
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sufficient federal funding. The shift will prevent a shortfall of
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one hundred and twenty million dollars and quote insures resources
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to the greatest number of individuals within our funding constraints.
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The agency said it did not answer questions about how
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the state managed the program. Florida Surgeon General Joseph A.
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Ladappo told state senators on January fourteenth that the program's
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rising costs him from this year's expiration of the subsidies
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for ACA plans, which resulted in higher premiums nationwide. He
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said the Drug Assistant Program's financial state quote may become
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a crisis without intervention in quote. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation,
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which provides care for thousands of Floridians, filed and administrative
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petition on on Tuesday seeking to overturn the new eligibility rules,
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arguing that Florida illegally changed them. The Health Department did
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not respond to requests for comment on the petition. LGBTQ
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plus groups have criticized cuts to the HIV treatment program
8:14
as the latest way the administration of Governor Ron de Santis,
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Republican is marginalizing the community. Transgender women and men who
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have sex with men disproportionately have HIV, which spreads easily
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in smaller communities. Michael Rasner, a Fort Lauderdale activist who
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said he receives assistants through the program and has met
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with officials in Tallahassee to push for its restoration, said
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that the past anti diversity measures, such as limiting discussion
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of LGBTQ plus issues in schools, have fueled activist fears
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that quote the program's collapse was intentional in quote. DeSantis'
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office referred questions about the program to the Health Department.
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The agency did not respond to requests for comment on
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criticism from LGBTQ plus activists. Asked about Florida, the U
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S Health Resources and Services Administration, which oversees federal funding
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for HIV treatment, said it is working to ensure states
9:06
have the support to quote maximize all available resources and
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statements in quote to help people with HIV access medication
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mounting drug costs. Florida's program has funded through the landmark
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nineteen ninety Ryan White federal law, which assists more than
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five hundred thousand people diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. The
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federal government provides grants based on the number of people
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with HIV reported living in the state, which in turn
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provides a smaller share of funds. Medical advances mean HIV
9:34
is no longer a death sentence. Demand for care has
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grown as more people live longer with the virus, driving
9:39
up costs for state drug assistance programs. In twenty ten,
9:42
as Florida officials grappled with a strained budget and a
9:45
surge in unemployment, the state slashed ADAP funding and stopped
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accepting new participants. As a waiting list swell to nearly
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fifteen hundred people, drug companies stepped in to help with
9:55
low cost medication. The Health Department considered restricting eligibility the
9:59
next year, but back down after protests from Floridians living
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with HIV and others, including singer Elton John who runs
10:05
a foundation dedicated to HIV care and awareness. Now, Floridians
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earning up to four hundred percent of the federal poverty
10:12
line about sixty four thousand dollars qualify for the drug
10:15
Assistants program. Starting March first, only people earning up to
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one hundred and thirty percent, about twenty one thousand dollars
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will be eligible. Democratic state lawmakers are calling on to
10:25
santists to stabilize the program with Raney D funds or
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declare a public health crisis to use emergency dollars. Quote.
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I don't understand how there can be such a tremendous
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shortfall for a program where funding is provided by the
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federal government, said Florida State Senator Carlos Giermo Smith, Democrat.
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HIV remains a persistent problem, particularly in the South. According
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to the most recent federal data, Florida ranked only behind
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Georgia and Washington, d C in its rate of new cases.
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Florida is not the only state grappling with the costs
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of HIV treatment, said Tim Horn, director of Medication Access
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for a NaSTA, whose members administer such programs. The overall
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federal budget has not changed for the program, but more
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states are competing for a limited pool of supplemental and
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emergency grants, he said. Some states have imposed more modest cuts.
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For example, Rhode Island recently tightened eligibility from five hundred
11:15
percent of the pro poverty line to four hundred. Horn said, quote,
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we haven't seen a change this extreme in years. In quote,
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Horn said of Florida costs of care. The cut to
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Florida's Drug Assistants program, which also pays for insurance premiums,
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also places patients at risk of losing their health coverage.
11:34
The monthly costs will be prohibited for patients such as
11:37
Sean Tinsley, fifty three, of Fort Lauderdale, an activist for
11:40
black women with HIV. Her one thousand, three hundred seventy
11:44
h dollars a month ACA plan is paid for by
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Florida's program, which covers medications that cost more than forty
11:50
one hundred dollars a month. Tinsley was forced to stop
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working as a self employed long haul trucker because of
11:56
other health issues for which she also needs care. Quote,
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my health care is out the window in quote, she said.
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Tinsley and others losing subsidies will have to turn to
12:05
community health clinics or medical facilities supported by separate funding
12:08
under the Ryan White Law for care, but experts worry
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those facilities won't be able to absorb such an influx,
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prompting patients to stop taking medications that suppress their viral loads,
12:18
they may spread HIV through unprotected sex or sharing needles
12:22
after their viral loads rebound, causing outbreaks. Interruptions and medication
12:26
are also dangerous because HIV can mutate quickly and become
12:30
drug resistant when viral levels rebound in the body, said
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Paul ERNs, a former medical director for the Florida Health
12:36
Department's HIV AIDS program. Quote that's exactly the opposite of
12:41
where public health should be going in quote, he said.
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Florida will no longer cover the medication Bictarve, often preferred
12:48
by patients because it combines three anti retroviral medications into
12:51
one single pill for any residence. Another drug, discov will
12:56
be limited to patients with failing kidneys. Asked if it
12:58
would lower prices, manufacturers Gilead Sciences, which makes both drugs,
13:03
set in a statement that it committed to not changing
13:05
prices for state programs through twenty twenty six and already
13:08
provides significant discount to Florida's Across the state, patients are
13:13
frantically planning with caseworkers, doctors, and activists about how to
13:17
secure BIGTARV. Some patients with extra pills are offering to
13:21
share those who may be cut off. Miami HIV activists
13:24
Maria Maigia said. In southwest Florida, a forty four year
13:28
old house cleaner named Bobby said she was done when
13:31
she received a letter from the Health Department informing her
13:33
she may no longer be eligible. She previously lived in
13:35
Iowa and California and always got medications through the state
13:38
drug Assistance program while working restaurants and hotel jobs. Bobby,
13:43
who spoke on the condition that her last name not
13:45
be used because she worries clients will fire her if
13:48
they learned she has HIV, said she will try to
13:50
get on her husband's insurance at his new job, but
13:53
she has no idea whether Big TARV will be covered. Quote.
13:56
I'm really struggling mentally with this quote. The next article crisis,
14:02
the fallout from Trump's surprise plan to close the Kennedy Center.
14:05
The president's announcement shocked artists and staff. A message obtained
14:09
by The Washington Post brought the National Symphony Orchestra's future
14:12
into focus. By Travis m Andrews, Jeannee Kingsbury, Kelsey Abeles,
14:18
Navin Kumar, and Jeff Edgers. President Donald Trump's surprise Sunday
14:24
announcement that he planned to close the Kennedy Center for
14:27
two years, sent shockwigs through The Center, Washington and the
14:30
Broader Arts World. Quote. I'm not ripping it down. I'll
14:33
be using the steel in quote, Trump told reporters Monday
14:36
when asked whether he would demolish the building. Quote. So
14:39
we're using the structure, We're using some of the marble,
14:41
and some of the marble comes down. But when it's open,
14:43
it'll be brand new and really beautiful. End quote. He
14:46
said The project would cost about two hundred million dollars.
14:49
The center's staff learned of the imminent closure through Trump's
14:51
Truth Social post, which proposed quote unquote temporarily closing the
14:56
unquote Trump Kennedy Center for quote construction, revital as a
15:00
and complete rebuilding in quote starting July fourth. Trump added
15:03
the move as subject to approval by the Center's board,
15:06
which he chairs. He posted at six twenty one p m.
15:09
Eastern staff received no official communication until more than an
15:12
hour later, when President Richard Grinnell sent a copy of
15:16
the Truth Social post to all employees along with this
15:18
brief note quote. We recognize this creates many questions as
15:22
we plan to temporarily close most of our operations. We
15:25
will have more information about staffing and operational changes in
15:27
the coming days. Five people familiar with the Board of
15:31
Trustees' activities, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because
15:34
they were not authorized to comment publicly, said at least
15:36
some board members were blindsided by Trump's announcement. One of
15:40
the people was not aware of any upcoming meetings to
15:42
consider the plan. If a vote does take place, it
15:45
could follow the example of the unanimous vote to add
15:47
Trump's name to the Center, which came months after changes
15:50
to the Kennedy Center's bylaws ensured only presidentially appointed board
15:53
members could vote. The Center said that change followed long
15:56
standing practice. Within hours, speculation and fear had spread as
16:00
the center's staffers, performing artists, and patrons began preparing for
16:04
an uncertain future. The Kennedy Center has already booked a
16:07
slate of performances after July fourth, including shows of touring
16:11
productions The Outsiders, Back to the Future, The Musical, and
16:14
Missus Doubtfire. Listings remain online Monday afternoon. The National Symphony Orchestra, meanwhile,
16:20
has performed a full season of subscription concerts at the
16:23
venue since nineteen seventy one. Questions abounded who knew this
16:27
was happening. What would happen to shows that have already
16:29
been scheduled who could lose their jobs? Will the Kennedy
16:32
Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize continue? How do
16:35
the Center's many unions come into play? What exactly is
16:38
the construction project. One of the few things that became
16:41
clear on Monday afternoon is that the Center plans to
16:43
continue funding the National Symphony Orchestra and has agreed to
16:46
find it alternative places to perform, according to an email
16:49
obtained by The Washington Post. In the message to n
16:52
SOO board members, musicians and staff, the Orchestra's chair Joan
16:56
Bielek and executive director Gene Davidson said the Center quote
16:59
has confirmed to us that the National Symphony Orchestra will
17:02
continue to receive all of its funding under its affiliation agreement,
17:05
and that they will work with us to find alternative
17:07
performance venues for the next two seasons. Little else, however,
17:12
is yet clear. In response to questions from The Post,
17:14
Roma d'a ravi, the Center's vice president of public relations,
17:18
said construction would focus on quote fixing decades of neglect
17:21
by the former leadership. In quote, citing HVAC repairs, structural issues, plumbing, electrical,
17:27
and fire protection, among other priorities. Quote. Many experts offered
17:30
their input and many conversations were had to consider the
17:33
option of staying open during renovations. In quote, d Rabi wrote,
17:36
quote the building is not falling, apart or condemnable. There's
17:39
no reason for repairs couldn't be done whilst still keeping
17:42
portions of it open for performances. In quote said one staffer, who,
17:46
like others for this article, spoke on the condition of
17:48
anonymity out of fear for retribution. Quote. A two year
17:51
shut down under the guise of renovations raises serious questions
17:55
about motives and whether these decisions are being made in
17:57
good faith. In quote. Quote the case Unity centers not
18:00
closing because of any structural necessity. In quote said another staffer.
18:04
Quote the situation is far simpler. This is a self
18:06
inflicted crisis created by Trump and Rick Grinnell, for which
18:09
they bear full responsibility. Norm Eisen and Nathaniel de Zelensky,
18:15
representing groups that have sued the Kennedy Center on behalf
18:17
of Representative Joyce Baty, Democrat of Ohio, said in a
18:20
statement that Trump's announcement quote raises serious questions about whether
18:24
his purpose isn't to renovate, but to shut the center
18:26
down to avoid further embarrassment. In quote of artists and
18:29
patron Boycott's they would consider quote all legal remedies in
18:33
quote address the closure. They said the announcement leaves the
18:37
programming calendar in doubt. Deborah borda, former president and CEO
18:41
of the Los Angeles Philharmonica and New York Philharmonic, put
18:43
it bluntly, there's no silver lining for the nso quote
18:47
to have to deal with something in a crisis mode
18:49
and not to be strategic and timely in how you
18:51
work on it is never good. In quote said borda
18:53
quote they weren't selling many tickets anyway, but whill their
18:56
subscribers move with them. Subscriptions are seen as your heart
18:59
of sales. They've got a real task ahead of them. Meanwhile,
19:03
three Broadway tours have stops planned at the center after
19:05
the proposed closure. As of Monday morning, tickets were still
19:08
on sale for Back to the Future, which is scheduled
19:11
to begin July seventh, followed by Missus, Doubtfire and The Outsiders,
19:15
for which tickets are listed as available with a subscription purchase.
19:19
Representatives for the productions did not immediately respond to requests
19:22
for comment. Route planning for the Broadway tours begins up
19:26
to two years in advance, a process that producers and
19:28
booking agents described to The Post as a logistical tangle.
19:32
Quote it is almost impossible to try to reroute once
19:34
your route is decided in quote, one Broadway producer told
19:37
the Post in an interview last year, adding that significant
19:40
changes could entail financial losses that cause a tour to
19:42
close Altogether, the most obvious alternative venue in DC is
19:46
the National Theater. It's already booked in July and August
19:49
with other Broadway tours. Beele, Juice and The Notebook are
19:52
represented for the National decline to comment on any effects
19:55
the theater has felt from upheaval at the center. Such
19:58
upheaval is unusual. Quote. Once a show is on sale
20:01
and there's tickets in people's hands, it would be very
20:03
rare for that agreement not to be honored in quote,
20:05
in part because most venues don't want to damage their
20:07
relationships with the public, noted another industry insider in an
20:11
interview last year. Contracts between Broadway tours and regional venues
20:15
are often not signed until close to the engagement, so
20:17
the productions may or may not have legal recourse against
20:20
the center. A union official representing musicians in the NSO
20:24
and the Kennedy's in Our Opera House Orchestra said that
20:26
they had no forewarning of the closure and that the
20:28
situation feels quote unquote catastrophic. Quote. Orchestras are not like buildings.
20:33
You can't simply close them down for two years and
20:35
expect that you'll open them up again. They're living organisms
20:38
in a way. In quote, said the official, who spoke
20:40
on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized
20:42
to speak for the organization. DC Federation of Musicians AFM
20:46
Local one six' one dash seven one. Zero even if
20:50
the closure quote didn't actually come to. Pass in, quote
20:52
the official, added, QUOTE i think a lot of musicians
20:55
in the orchestra might be, SAYING i THINK i need
20:57
a different. Strategy this is not a long term solution
20:59
for my. CAREER i need to go elsewhere in. Quote
21:02
The Opera House orchestra's contract with The Kennedy, center which
21:05
lasts Until august twenty twenty, seven includes work guarantees for
21:09
a certain number of hours of ballet work every, year
21:11
the official, Said but the orchestra has already been running
21:14
without a management structure At Kennedy, center and the official
21:17
was not confident that the institution would be able to
21:19
handle the logistics of moving performances to new. Venues the
21:22
officials said they were concerned about payments for upcoming work
21:24
For American Ballet, theater which will be performing at The
21:27
Kennedy senators Starting february. Eleventh the orchestra's first rehearsal is this,
21:31
weekend but the official didn't know whether the musicians might
21:34
quote arrive to a room that's empty with no chairs
21:36
and stands in. Quote grinnell Lauded trump's decision ON, x
21:40
calling his leadership quote unquote. Visionary he pointed To congress's
21:44
historically large appropriation of two hundred fifty seven million in
21:47
The One Big Beautiful bill four maintenance of the. Building.
21:50
Quote it desperately needs this renovation and temporarily closing the
21:53
center just makes sense and, Quote grinnell wrote in the. Post,
21:56
Previously trump and his leadership have cited without evidence that
21:58
the center has broken, elevator was infested with, rats and
22:01
that the concrete in the parking garage was. Crumpling democratic
22:05
lawmakers charged with oversight of The center have heavily criticized the,
22:08
proposal which comes As trump pursues plans to build His
22:11
White House, ballroom a project that has exceeded its initial
22:14
two hundred million dollar, investment an estimated, budget and demolished
22:18
The East wing despite a. Pledge the addition woulden quote
22:20
unquote interfere with the existing. Building. Quote As President trump
22:24
continues his demolition tour Of, Washington he's now setting his
22:27
sights on one Of america's great cultural. Institutions. Quote Senator
22:31
sheldon White, House democrat Of Rhode, island who serves on
22:33
The Senate environment And Public Works, committee set in a
22:35
statement quote if he, succeeds it will be because of
22:38
a series of suspect and illegal actions to commandeer The
22:41
Kennedy center as a clubhouse for his friends and political,
22:44
allies and his sole leadership who will satisfy his every. Whim,
22:48
batty who is also an ex Officio Kennedy center board,
22:51
member raised concerns about the future of employees and artists.
22:54
Contracts Senate democrats are investigating The Kennedy, center Accusing grinnelle
22:59
of quote unquote self, dealing favoritism and, waste which he has.
23:02
Denied rumors That trump would shut down The Kennedy center
23:05
have circulated since late fall of last, year with many
23:08
current and former employees suggesting it would be a tourniquet
23:11
to stop the breast coverage of declining ticket sales and artists,
23:14
boycotts but the actual announcement came as a. Shock Kevin,
23:17
couch the center's senior vice president of Artistic, programming who
23:21
resigned last week less than two weeks after his hire was,
23:24
announced was caught by. Surprise QUOTE i resigned without knowledge
23:28
of any plans to close The Kennedy center and hope
23:30
the institution uses this the moment to refocus on its
23:33
mission and support of its. Artists in, Quote couch, said
23:36
or Said couch as a friend of his put at
23:38
via TECs, Quote, dude it's like you got the last
23:40
helicopter out Of naum in. Quote our next, Article rafa
23:45
crossing Between kaza And egypt reopens after nearly two Years
23:49
israeli troops seized The raffa border crossing In may twenty twenty.
23:52
Four the reopening mark's progress towards the second phase of
23:55
THE U s back ceasefire deal By Abby, cheeseman see
23:59
ham Some, Heba Faruk mafus And Lior. Soroka The rafa
24:05
border crossing Between egypt And gosa Reopened monday for the
24:08
first time in nearly two, years allowing a small number
24:10
Of palestinians to both enter and exit the territory as
24:13
part of A us back ceasefire to End israel's war With.
24:16
Amas it was not immediately clear how Many palestinians crossed
24:20
the Border, monday but the opening appeared largely. Symbolic only
24:23
about a dozen people traveled each, way according to A
24:26
european official with knowledge of the, situation who spoke on
24:29
the condition of. Anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the,
24:31
crossing The European union has deployed an observer force to
24:35
monitor the crossing along With, Palestinian egyptian And israeli. Authorities
24:40
quote it was a very difficult day in, quote the official.
24:43
Said quote it was not an easy first day of.
24:45
Operation The israeli military sees the border In may twenty
24:49
twenty four as it swept Through rafa in Southern, gaza
24:52
displacing nearly one million people who had sought refuge. There
24:56
it then closed the crossing to pedestrian and another traffic
24:59
Trapping gaza's roughly two million, people including those who were
25:02
severely sick or injured for the majority of the. War
25:05
among the roughly two dozen people who Crossed monday were
25:08
five patients and their, companions according To munir Al, bush
25:11
Director general of The Gaza Health, ministry who said he
25:14
received instruction from The World Health organization that the individuals were.
25:17
Approved more than twenty Thousand palestinians are on a waiting
25:21
list for medical treatment. Abroad given the state Of gaza's
25:24
decimated health care, system according To zahir Al, wahadi head
25:29
of the records department At Gaza Health, ministry some patients
25:32
have died waiting for. Treatment doctors and aid workers say
25:35
quote the reopening of The rafa crossing is a necessary,
25:37
step but it is far too long. Overdue in. Quote
25:40
Firk Shall, toot The gaza director Of Medical aid For,
25:45
palestinians A british based, charity said in a statement quote
25:49
lives were undoubtedly lost because the crossing remained closed for so.
25:52
Long in, quote she, said quote every day of delay
25:55
meant children dying of. Hypothermia because of the lack of adequate,
25:58
shelter patients die life saving, treatment and hospitals pushed closer to.
26:02
Collapse israel stalled in Reopening rafa after the ceasefire took
26:07
effect In, october saying it wanted to ensure That hamas
26:10
returned the remains of the hostages it took during The october,
26:13
seventh twenty twenty three attacks On israeli. Communities last, week
26:16
As israel recovered the remains of the last hostage sheld In,
26:19
gaza police Officer Ronnie, givili, Still israeli officials have argued
26:25
that the military must maintain its presence in the border
26:27
area to Prevent hamas from. Rearming israel says the group
26:31
has used the area as the key conduit for the
26:33
transfer of weapons and funds to militants From Egypt's Sinai.
26:36
Peninsula egypt has denied the, claims insisting it keeps tight
26:40
control of the border and has worked to prevent smuggling for.
26:42
Years palestinians use tunnels under The Egypt gaza border At
26:46
rafa to circumvent an economic. Blockade israel said that it
26:50
will Vet palestinians for entry and exit From, gaza and
26:53
that strict security protocols will be in place at the.
26:55
Crossing israeli authorities TOLD un officials that only residents who
26:59
Left gaza during the war would be allowed to return
27:01
after prior security clearance By. Israel according to THE Un
27:05
office for The coordination Of Humanitarian, affairs residents will also
27:08
be subject TO eu screening at the crossing and quote
27:11
a second identification in screening processes in a designated quarter
27:15
operated by The israeli military in an area Under israeli's army.
27:19
Control Quote ocha said the partial reopening Of rafa is welcome,
27:24
you And humanitarian Chief Tom fletcher said on social media,
27:28
quote but this is not. Enough it must function as
27:30
a real humanitarian quarter so we can surge saving. Help in,
27:34
quote he said its reopening should also pave the way
27:37
for a more complex phase of the ceasefire, agreement one
27:40
that would include negotiations to Demilitarize hamas as well as
27:44
the withdrawal Of israeli forces Under. Gaza under the, agreement
27:48
the and quote Unquote International Stabilization force is also supposed
27:52
to deploy To gaza to oversee training Of palestinian, police
27:55
but so far no country has formally signed on to send.
27:58
Troops at the same time, Time israeli attacks have, continued Including,
28:02
saturday when the military killed thirty two people in strikes Across.
28:05
Gaza since the cease, Fire israeli forces have killed five
28:08
hundred and twenty Six, palestinians according to The Gaza Health,
28:11
ministry which does not distinguish between civilians and. Combatants in,
28:15
total The israeli campaign has caused the deaths of nearly
28:18
seventy two Thousand palestinians and injured more than one hundred
28:21
and seventy thousand. People Some palestinians were still hopeful they
28:25
would receive treatment. Abroad QUOTE i BELIEVED i might never
28:28
be able to Leave gaza in, quote Said AHMAD A Mood,
28:31
albersh a thirty one year old father of three who
28:34
was injured twice in separate. Strikes. Quote WHEN i heard
28:37
that the crossing had, REOPENED i was extremely. HAPPY i
28:40
felt some hope quote and the next. Article banfield guilty
28:45
of murdering wife and another man in plot with o.
28:48
Pair Brendan banfield testified in his own double murder trial
28:52
the jury didn't buy his. Story By Emma. Uber Brendan,
28:57
banfield The virginia man accused of plotting with the families
29:00
to impersonate his wife on a sexual fetish website to
29:02
frame a stranger as her, killer was found Guilty monday
29:05
of aggravated murder in the twenty twenty three killings Of
29:08
Christine banfield And Joseph. RYAN a jury In Fairfax county
29:12
deliberated for nearly nine hours before Finding Brendan, banfield, forty
29:15
guilty of both, murders as well as two lesser. Charges
29:19
his sentencing is scheduled For may. Eighth the aggravated murder
29:22
charges carry a mandatory life sentence without. Parole the conviction
29:26
came in the trial's fourth, week after prosecutors Painted Brendan
29:29
banfield as a man so deeply in love with the
29:31
family's Young BRAZILIAN O pair that he orchestrated an elaborate
29:34
prought to shoot the man who had lured The Northern
29:37
virginia home under the pretense of a rough sex, fantasy
29:40
than kill his wife with a stranger's. Knife prosecutors had
29:44
testimony From Brendan banfield's former MISTRESS O, Pair Juliana Perez,
29:49
magales to corroborate their. Theory Brendan banfield told jurors he
29:54
interrupted a violent attack on his wife but shot her
29:56
attack er too late to save. Her the trial revolved
29:59
around circum stantial forensic evidence and the competing accounts from
30:02
the only surviving eyewitnesses to the. Killings in the, end
30:06
jurors weren't convinced By Brendan banfield's. Story magales was initially
30:10
charged With ryan's, murder but pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter
30:13
in a deal that set the stage for her. Testimony
30:16
she Said Brendan banfield wouldn't divorce his wife because he
30:19
feared losing custody of the couple's then four year old. Daughter,
30:22
Instead magalales said he devised the plan to quote get
30:26
rid of in Quote Christine banfield by quote unquote catfishing
30:29
a man, online then framing him for the. Murder Fairfax
30:32
County Commonwealth's Attorneyed Steve descano Called Brendan banfield quote unquote
30:37
monstrous during a news conference outside the court house after the.
30:40
Verdict quote there were obviously a lot of salacious details
30:43
in this case that caused it to get a lot
30:45
of attention in, Quote dscano, said, quote but at the
30:48
end of the. Day this case is about two, people
30:50
two neighbors of, ours that were murdered almost three years
30:52
ago here In Fairfax. County we take that very very.
30:55
Seriously in. Quote defense Attorney John carroll did not comment
30:58
after the Verdict. Monday during his, Testimony Brandon banfield emphatically
31:02
denied and he planned to harm his wife and dismissed
31:04
the idea that he concocted a catfishing plot ads quote
31:07
unquote absolutely. Crazy he told jurors his relationship With magahales
31:11
was not, furious citing his previous extramarital affairs as proof
31:15
that he would not kill his wife over a. Dalliance
31:18
when confronted with letters he had written To macgales planning
31:21
when they would name their future Children chloe for a,
31:23
Girl robbie for a, boy he said he only fell
31:26
in love with her after the death of his. Wife
31:28
evidence photos taken Of banfield's bedrooms after the killings shows
31:31
he replaced photos of his, wife a pediatric IC u,
31:34
nurse with photos Of, magalais who had also moved her
31:37
clothes into the closet once used By Christine. Banfield Prosecutor
31:41
jennison set outside the court House monday that she Believes
31:45
Brandan banfield's testimony helped her. Case as a former defense,
31:48
attorney she said she would have advised him to remain.
31:51
Silent After Brendan bayfield said he woke up early on
31:54
the day of the killings for an important work. Meeting
31:56
a former IR s colleague came forward as a last minute,
31:59
witness saying no such meeting was ever. Scheduled. QUOTE i
32:02
think everyone has commented on what is so Obvious that
32:05
he was not, truthful that he was, cold that he
32:07
behaved oddly in response to questions that should have elicited
32:11
emotion in Quote san said quote that he never spoke
32:13
of himself As christine's, Husband that he didn't speak lovingly
32:16
of his, Wife that he showed absolutely no human emotion
32:19
that we expect to see of someone in his. Position
32:22
carol spent so much of the trial focused on the digital,
32:25
evidence calling up experts who testified that they could not
32:28
definitely say who was Using Christine banfield's devices to send
32:31
messages on fet, life the B dsm And king community.
32:35
Website he also took aim at the, investigation arguing That
32:38
fairfax's police commanders pressured investigators to agree with the impersonation,
32:43
theory And rizon reassigned two homicide detectives who questioned. It
32:47
he tried to discredit Miss, magahales using letters and messages
32:51
sent while incarcerated to paint her as a, young disillusioned
32:54
woman who became willingly to say anything for a chance at.
32:57
Freedom the plea deal insured executers would recommend her, release
33:01
setting her up for deportation back To, brazil as long
33:04
as she cooperated with investigators and pleaded guilty to involuntary.
33:08
Manslaughter But diskano And sans Said monday that they could
33:11
have Convicted Brendan branfield without mcgahali's. Testimony. Quote as a
33:16
matter of, fact we were planning for. It in, Quote discano.
33:19
Said he noted that at the time Of Brendan branfield's,
33:21
Address Mga hollies had been in custody for almost a
33:24
year and still had not turned against her former. Lover
33:27
they had quote unquote given up on her. Cooperation sands
33:29
said the results of a forensic blood splatter, analysis not,
33:33
mcgahalies gave them the evidence needed to Arrest Brendan blandfield
33:37
for the. Murder sand said a blood spatter expert testified
33:40
that blood patterns observed that the scene indicated to the
33:42
bodies Of Christine banfield And Joseph ryan were manipulated after their,
33:46
injuries a. Collusion prosecutors pointed to his evidence That banfield
33:51
had staged the crime. Scene quote this case was always
33:54
going to be in the Bloode discano said outside the Courthouse.
33:57
Monday discano And sans both rejected the careacterization Of magahales
34:01
plea deal as a quote unquote sweetheart. Arrangement sans emphasized
34:05
that a judge can disregard their recommendation and sentence the
34:08
FORMER o pair to up to ten years in. Prison
34:11
magahal sentence is scheduled For february, thirteenth and the next
34:16
article In venezuela changes coming. Fast relief is taking more.
34:19
Time washington And caracas have moved quickly to Open venezuela's
34:23
oil sector TO us. Investment Ordinary venezuelan's will wait longer
34:27
to feel any. Benefit By Anna Vanessa herrero And Samantha Schmidt. Caracas.
34:33
Venezuela american oil traders are poised to descend On venezuela's
34:36
capital and may soon be able to fly there direct
34:39
The trump administration is preparing to reopen THE us. Embassy
34:42
the socialist government here has made the nationalized oil industry
34:45
friendlier for foreign, investors and THE Us treasury has eased
34:49
sanctions to ALLOW us companies to buy and Sell venezuelan.
34:52
Oil the dizzying changes here would have seemed unthinkable just
34:55
a month, ago WHEN us forces were surrounding the, country
34:58
Seizing venezuelan oil And minaeta the authoritarian, government but THE
35:02
us Captured january third Of President Nicolas, maduro And President
35:07
trump's val to exploit the world's largest proven oil reserves
35:11
has fundamentally transformed relations between the two. Countries the administration
35:15
is working With Delsi, Rodriguez maduro's vice, president rather Than
35:18
Maria Corina, macado the popular opposition leader Whom trump previously.
35:23
Championed the economic outlook For venezuela has improved dramatically after
35:27
years of economic, collapse rising employment and soaring. Inflation some
35:31
economists say it's not far fetched to imagine double digit
35:34
growth this. Year in the latest surprise, Move rodriguez On
35:37
friday proposed a general ambassy for hundreds of political, prisoners
35:41
some of whom have been held for decades and promised
35:43
to repurpose the Infamous heliocide prison and alleged torture. Center
35:48
human rights defenders have expressed cautious, optimism but In, caracas
35:52
hope is colliding with. Reality for Many, venezuelans the changes
35:55
have done little to ease the daily pressure of paying
35:58
for basic goods or fears of being deay tained by. Police,
36:01
Rodriguez maduro's vice, president has yet to release details of
36:04
elections or power sharing. Agreements the individuals who ran the
36:08
countries feared security forces Under maduro remain in. Power it's
36:12
still unsafe for opposition Leader, mikado the recipient of the
36:15
twenty twenty Five Nobel Priest, prize to return home with
36:18
the government's apparatus for repression fully. Intact venezuelan say real
36:22
change feels far. Away. QUOTE i don't know if the
36:24
politics are, changing but my pocket is the same in
36:27
quote Said Argenis, perez who parks cars at a restaurant
36:30
in Eastern, caracas waking at four am each morning to
36:33
take two buses from his home in working class A
36:35
Venida victoria to his. Job he earns one hundred and
36:38
twenty dollars a month paid in boulevards and in bags of. Food.
36:41
QUOTE i don't buy an entire grocery. List in, quote he, said,
36:44
QUOTE i just buy the. Basics in, quote he was
36:47
interrupted by cars approaching the, restaurant luxury SUVs that sell
36:51
for well over one hundred thousand. Dollars what did you
36:53
think about the? Changes, quote, well you, know we can't
36:56
speak about. That in, quote he, said, QUOTE i don't
36:58
know what will, happen BUT i need to. Work after
37:01
weeks in which The United states was boarding tankers and
37:04
Seizing venezuelan, oil the economy is experiencing some. Relief The
37:07
United states has released three hundred million dollars from oil
37:10
sales to pay government. Workers the injection has helped Stabilize
37:14
venezuelan's foreign exchange rate and could help reduce retail. Prices
37:17
Economists Francisco rodriguez said it's unclear how THE us will
37:21
manage the proceeds from oil sales and how the money
37:24
will flow into The venezuelan. Economy the government has not
37:27
yet released economic statistics for. Years the government Controlled National
37:32
assembly voted Unanimously thursday to make pictroilists The venezuela and
37:36
other state run enterprises more attractive to foreign. Investors THE
37:40
Us treasury then announced the general license FOR us companies to, buy, sell,
37:43
transport and Refine venezuelan. Oil Alejandro grisanti and economists with
37:50
The caracas consulting Firm Eco analidica said a dialogue between
37:54
the government and the private sector has also. Improved. QUOTE
37:56
i think twenty twenty six will be a good. Year in,
37:59
quote he, Said Eco analytica predicts oil production will grow
38:03
by at least two hundred thousand barrels per, day more
38:05
bolevars will, circulate and banks can offer more. Credit the
38:08
country is still recovering from cumulative, inflation which in the
38:11
first three weeks Of january was fifteen percent. Quote but
38:15
for that to actually improve the purchasing power of the
38:17
Average venezuelan in, Quote grizanti, said quote that will take
38:20
six to eight. Months. Quote there is still a lot
38:23
of uncertainty in, quote he. Said the reason, inflation along
38:26
with messaging from the government That maduro's allies remaining, control
38:30
Means venezuelan's quote may not feel a profound change that
38:32
is taking place in. Quote Under, rodriguez the regime already
38:36
has released hundreds of political, prisoners but security forces continue
38:40
to Detain venezuelan's. Arbitrarily human rights advocates say about fifty
38:44
detainees have disappeared within the prison, system and officials have
38:48
refused to say whether where they are or what's happened to.
38:50
Them some prisoners who have been released without. Notice One
38:54
venezuelan political prisoner who had been in The Rodeo Rodeo
38:58
ie prison for more than a, year was soddenly given a, haircut,
39:01
masked and put on a bus with other. Detainees according
39:03
to his, sister who spoke on the condition of anonymity
39:06
to discuss sensitive details about her brother's, case the detainees
39:09
were taken to an unfamiliar location In caracas and directed
39:12
to leave the. Bus their families were not. Alerted the
39:15
man walked for two hours to the home of a
39:17
relative and asked to use a phone to call other
39:19
family members who had been waiting outside the prison and
39:21
hope he would be. Released in the week since his,
39:24
release his family says he has said nothing of what
39:26
he experienced in the. Prison he remains In, venezuela where
39:29
he is prohibited from speaking publicly about his. Detention many
39:33
of the. Released prisoners have been, surveilled, threatened and warned
39:36
not to speak, out Said Orlando, moreno a human rights
39:39
coordinator For Vente, Venezuela makado's political. Party quote this is
39:44
not true. Freedom it is freedom with chains in, Quote marino.
39:47
Said quote they will let you out of your, cell
39:49
but you are not free in. Quote but Some venezuelans
39:52
appear willing to take on more. Risk according To Andreana,
39:56
buddall the director of The committee Of family And friends
39:58
for The freedom Of political, prison many have come forward
40:01
for the first time to report cases of relatives in
40:03
prison long. AGO a protest outside The Attorney general's office
40:06
recently drew twice the usual number of, demonstrators she. Said
40:10
quote we now know that we're not alone in this.
40:12
Struggle in quote By duel said some opposition politics are
40:15
emerging from hiding and speaking publicly for the first time
40:18
in months or even, years and within the government Controlled National,
40:21
assembly some of the few opposition lawmakers allowed to hold
40:24
seats have sensed more open. Dialogue quote the government has
40:28
acknowledged its. Vulnerability in, quote opposition Lawmaker Antonio kari, said
40:33
quote there has been more respect and. Cordiality Quote one
40:36
important change is the inclusion of some government critics on
40:39
a new peace. Commission, Quote venezuela needs to find. Itself
40:43
we've become accustomed to living separately and in. Tribes it's
40:45
been many years of. Conflict in. Quote commission Member michael, Penfold,
40:49
a professor of The institute Of Advanced studies And administration In,
40:52
caracas wrote ON x quote let's hope that in this
40:55
Process venezuelan's don't become the main. Obstacle in. Quote opposition
40:59
lawmaker Anie Que, capriles who ran Against maduro, twice called
41:03
on the regime to release plans for an. Election quote
41:06
so far all we have our announcements of investment in
41:08
the oil. Sector in, quote he. Said the government must
41:11
increase salaries and. Pensions he, said quote to Give venezuelans
41:14
a sense that their lives are in fact. Improving in
41:17
quote we quote We venezuelans have been very patient and
41:20
we know it's not. Quick in, quote he, said quote
41:23
urgent things are needed to be, done but democracy cannot
41:26
be detached from Building venezuela's. Future in. Quote in the next,
41:30
article tenants living near ice facilities SUED dhs say tear
41:35
gas clouds their. Homes residents asked the court to bar
41:38
agents from using tear gas that is quote unquote likely
41:40
to infiltrate the, building except when the lives of officers are.
41:44
Threatened By Daniel wu And Pravina Somasun Doram Diana moreno
41:50
was walking home in Late january when she said she
41:53
was struck five times by rubber bullets fired by federal,
41:56
agents leaving welts and bruises across her. Body it was
42:00
daylight when she alleged she was caught in the crossfire
42:02
as the agents tried to disperse a protest at The
42:04
immigration And Customs Enforcement agency across the street from Her,
42:08
Portland oregon. Apartment it has become a month's long problem
42:11
for her and other tenants At Gray's, landing an affordable
42:14
housing complex that sits about one hundred feet from THE
42:16
Ic field, office residents Said friday in court declarations to
42:20
bolster a lawsuit filed by the department's managers against The
42:23
department Of Homeland. Security the ic office In Portland's South
42:28
waterfront neighborhood has become a focal point for protests Against
42:31
President Donald trump's immigration, crackdown with the latest demonstration sparked
42:36
by outrage over the killings In minneapolis Of Renee good
42:39
And Alex. Pretty others In Gray's landing have slept wearing
42:42
gas masks or in their bathtubs to escape tear gas
42:45
that wafts into their, homes they alleged in court. Declarations Jannis,
42:49
lineberger whose balcony faces The ice, facility said she struggles
42:53
to breathe in her living, room and their voices now
42:55
gravelly quote as IF i were a. Chainsmoker in a,
42:59
STATEMENT Dhs Assistant Secretary tricia McLaughlin blamed the disrupt disruptions
43:05
on rioters who have set off, fireworks thrown, objects and
43:08
ignored federal agents. Commands. Quote the fact that this particular
43:12
location is experiencing this behavior more frequently than most others
43:16
is not Remotely ICE's fault in, quote McLaughlin. Said quote
43:20
that lies squarely with the rioters and with the state
43:22
and local authorities who failed to maintain law and order
43:25
on their. Streets the property management company that Runs Gray's
43:29
landing and a group of residents initially filed the lawsuit In.
43:31
December their complaint alleges that the federal agent's conduct has been.
43:35
Excessive The Justice department has previously said protests outside The
43:39
Portland ice facility amounted to a quote dangerous risk of
43:42
rebellion in, quote as it argued For trump to deploy
43:45
The National guard To. Oregon some protesters have faced charges
43:49
for assaulting federal officers near the, facility but a federal
43:52
judge In november rejected The trump administration's characterization of the
43:55
protests as. LAWLESS Us District Judge karen J immergut said
44:00
that the gatherings had been quote predominantly peaceful in, quote
44:03
and she borrowed The National guard. Deployment demonstrations in front
44:07
of the facility have, continued and the disruption from both
44:09
protesters and federal agents has drawn. Criticism residents have complained
44:13
that the protests violate noise. Ordinances fox twelve, reported and
44:17
a charter school permanently relocated from the location neighboring The
44:21
ice facility the last. Summer after condemning federal agent's use
44:24
of tear gas near the. School alongside the declarations Filed,
44:28
friday The Gray's landing residents ASKED Us District Judge AMY.
44:32
M baggio for a preliminary injunction to bar federal agents
44:36
from deploying tear gas quote likely to infiltrate in quote
44:39
the apartment, building except when the lives of federal officers are.
44:42
Threatened nine Grays landing's residents said the federal agent's actions
44:46
have appeared disproportionate and half four months made life in
44:49
the apartment, building which sits kitty corner from the ice, facility.
44:53
Unbearable marino said that The january incident was the second
44:56
time she had been struck by rubber billets from federal
44:59
agents while walking near the. Apartment she said previously been
45:03
shot In october and tear, gas which caused her to
45:06
vomit in the. Street she now fears getting gassed again
45:08
as she recovers from an upcoming. Surgery. QUOTE i truly
45:11
don't know How i'll survive if they continue to be
45:14
so out of control right outside my door in quote moreno.
45:17
Said Mindy king said she bought gas masks for herself
45:20
and her thirteen year old son to wear at. Home
45:22
king alleged that a federal agent appeared to target her
45:26
Into october by firing a tear gas canister toward her
45:29
apartment as she livestreamed footage of a protest from her,
45:32
balcony which faces the ice. Facility Whitfield, taylor whose apartment
45:36
is on the corner of the complex closest to the ice,
45:38
facility said his, children ages seven and, nine have misschool
45:42
and gone to urgent care for treatment after inhaling tear. Gas.
45:45
Quote sometimes when federal officers are using gas and flash,
45:48
bangs my children hide in the closet of my bedroom
45:50
and build a fort there to feel some sense of,
45:52
Safety taylor said in a court. Finding On, saturday the
45:56
street By Gary's landing was roiled again after thousands of
45:59
protesters march to the ic. Facility within, minutes federal agents
46:03
deployed tear, gas rubber, bullets and flash bangs to disperse the.
46:06
Crowd The oregonian, reported and in the next, article after
46:11
a snowy, month Puksatani phil predicts more winter. Ahead Pugsatani
46:15
phil's Groundhog day prediction of more winter follows an exceptionally
46:18
snowy month across the EASTERN us By Matthew. Capucci as
46:23
the sun rose over a seven degree morning At Pennsylvania's Gobbler's,
46:26
Knob Pucksatani phil emerged from his wintertime burrow to predict
46:30
that more of the same lies. Ahead quote it is
46:32
my job This february, second to look to the skies
46:34
to report back to you that there is a shadow
46:36
here on my. Ground six more weeks of winter abound
46:39
in quote noted the scroll read aloud By dan, McKinley
46:42
vice president of The Pucksatani Groundhog Club Inner. Circle the
46:46
prognosticating groundhog made its famous Appearance monday, morning relaying his
46:50
prophetic prognosis around seven to twenty Five Eastern. Time he
46:54
emerged from His dandasy's, shadow his handlers first raising him
46:57
up to the skies before the crowd of spectators wearing
47:00
ear refs and gloves gathered around soft flurries with breath
47:03
visible and the. Cold this, Year phil's legendary prediction would
47:07
follow an exceptionally cooled and snowy month across The Eastern United.
47:10
States over the, weekend much Of North carolina picked up
47:13
close to a foot of, snow with near blizzard conditions
47:15
blanketing the outer banks On, saturday wrapping up a Month
47:18
march by several high end storms a week, earlier up
47:21
to an inch of ice accretion glazed swaths of the,
47:24
southeast knocking out power to millions of. Customers at the
47:27
peak of, impact nearly fifty thousand customers in Northern mississippi
47:30
remained without, power a testament to the storm's severity in
47:33
rural parts of The Deep. South that same storm brought
47:36
upward of a foot of snow from the mountains Of
47:38
New mexico all the way to the northeast In, pittsburgh
47:41
nearly eighty miles from The Gobbler's knob visitor. Center the
47:44
city just had its snow Ist january since twenty twenty,
47:46
two according to The National Weather, service with nearly two
47:49
thirds of the month's snow tally falling during The january
47:52
twenty Fifth. Snowstorm D c meanwhile remains frozen beneath an
47:56
icy sludge after six point nine inches of wintry precipitation
48:00
a mix of snow and sleet fell On january twenty.
48:02
Fifth temperatures haven't breached freezing. Since In The Washington Post's
48:05
Capital Weather, gang in rare agreement with a, groundhog forecasts
48:09
a cold Leaning february to follow marked by blasts of arctic.
48:12
Air Bucksatawny Groundhog, club which oversees phil and disseminates his,
48:17
predictions has been operating since eighteen eighty. Seven, Overall phil
48:21
calls for an early spring in about one out of
48:23
every six. Forecasts the rest of the time he warns
48:26
of more. Winter The National oceanic And Atmospheric administration crunched
48:30
the numbers and Found phil is accurate about thirty five
48:32
percent of the. Time if you're looking for rascally rodent
48:34
with a top rat top notch track, record Try Staten Island.
48:38
Chuck The Weather service says he's eighty five percent. Accurate
48:42
at the. Time last, Year phil poked his head out
48:45
at seven twenty five am to the temperature of seventeen
48:47
degrees in partial. Sunshine he quickly scurried back into his,
48:50
home signifying six more weeks of, winter but in, fact
48:53
spring twenty twenty five was three point one seven degrees
48:55
above average across the Continental United. States Last, march Which
48:59
phil would be more winter, like was five point thirty
49:02
seven degrees above the. Mean in twenty twenty, Four phil
49:05
called for an early. Spring it was the eighth warmth
49:07
spring on. Record the numbers For january have yet to be,
49:11
crunched but it's probable the lower forty eight will average
49:13
out pretty close to Typical it was frigid across The,
49:16
midwest The, northeast and Mid, atlantic but warm over The New.
49:18
West the coldest anomalies were found in The Ohio, valley
49:21
where temperatures ran six to eight degrees below. Average The, rockies,
49:25
meanwhile ran about five to ten degrees above the. Average
49:28
in the coming, weeks temperatures are likely to gradually moderate
49:30
over The EASTERN, us but should still remain below. Average
49:34
with a switcheroo of The Jets stream characterized by warm
49:37
high pressure building across the EASTERN us while cooler high
49:39
pressure slides south over The, rockies there should be milder
49:42
conditions in Mid. February in our next, Article HOUSE gop
49:47
searches for votes to reopen government with razor thin, Majority
49:50
House democrats have indicated privately that they did not plan
49:53
to support the, plan Leaving republicans to go it. Alone
49:57
By Riley began And marianna So to My, Ore House
50:01
republican leaders are seeking enough votes in the narrowly divided
50:04
chamber to reopen the federal, government which has been partially
50:07
shut Since saturday morning after funding. Lapsed it won't be.
50:10
Simple Many House democrats do not plan to support the.
50:13
Deal Senate democrats struck With White. House House Minority Leader Hakim,
50:17
Jeffries democrat Of New, york Told House Speaker Mike, Johnson
50:20
republican Of louisiana last week that his party would not
50:23
help pass the package without numerous additional restrictions on immigration.
50:26
Enforcement according to two Senior House democratic aids who spoke
50:30
on the condition of anonymity to discuss private, negotiations if
50:34
Most democrats do not support the, Package republicans will need
50:37
near uniananimity to pass the funding, package Which President Donald
50:41
trump has. Endorsed But johnson predicted ON Nbc News Is
50:44
meet The press On sunday that they would be able
50:46
to end the shutdown quote at least By. Tuesday quote
50:50
we have a logistic challenge of getting everyone in, town
50:52
and because of the CONVERSATION i had With Akeem, JEFFRIES
50:55
i know that we've got to pass a rule and
50:56
probably do this mostly on our own in Quote johnson,
50:59
said and. SING a floor vote that is traditionally passed
51:02
on party, lines a procedural Vote, monday and a key
51:05
committee stacked with several ultra Conservative House Freedom caucus members
51:08
provided an early tests of whether THE gop can muscle
51:11
the measure through on its. Own the committee approved a
51:13
rule allowing The chamber to consider the legislation eighty, four
51:17
with all The republicans attending voting. Yes in a post
51:20
on social Media, Monday trump urged lawmakers to support the
51:23
deal and discouraged members who are seeking to attach additional
51:27
conservative policy to the. Legislation, quote there can be no
51:30
changes at this. Time in, quote he, wrote quote we
51:32
will work together in good faith to address the issues
51:34
that have been, raised but we cannot have another, long
51:37
pointless and destructive shutdown that will hurt our country so,
51:39
badly one that will not Benefit republicans Or. DEMOCRATS i
51:43
hope everyone will vote. Yes end. Quote last, month there
51:46
Were republicans And democrats on The house And Senate Appropriations
51:48
committee negotiated a sweeping package that would have funded most
51:51
of the federal government Through september, thirtieth the end of
51:54
the fiscal. Year Many democrats had already said they were uncomfortable.
51:57
Supporting one part of that, plan sixty four point four
52:00
billion dollars in funding for The department Of Homeland, security
52:03
including ten billion dollars for immigration and customs. Enforcement The
52:07
trump administration's immigration raids In minneapolis drew national attention after
52:10
THE ic agent shot and killed thirty seven year Old
52:13
Renee good last, month prompting mass demonstrations in The Twin,
52:16
cities and ANOTHER ic officer shot and Undocumented venezuelan Man
52:21
julio Cesar Soza seals in the leg during an. Arrest
52:26
The house passed the initial funding package primarily along party,
52:29
lines but two days, later border agents shot and Killed
52:32
Alex preddi In. Minneapolis Senate democrats returned To, washington demanding
52:36
The republicans SEPARATE dhs funding from the rest of the
52:38
bill until the parties could agree on new accountability measures
52:41
for immigration, agents including implementing a code of conduct and
52:44
requiring that agents wear body cameras and. Identification The White
52:48
house struck a deal With Senate democrats to EXTEND dhs
52:51
funding for two weeks to buy time for negotiations while
52:54
passing the remaining, funding which include appropriations for The, pentagon
52:58
The health And Human Services, department And THE dhs bill
53:01
also covers The Transportation Security, administration The Federal Emergency Management,
53:06
agency The Coast, guard And customs And Border. Protection that
53:09
agreement passed The senate On, friday, evening and because the
53:12
changes have not been approved by The, house the unfunded
53:14
agencies shuttered Early saturday. Morning House republicans will have one
53:19
more vote to spare if Every democrat votes against the.
53:22
Plan Some House democrats are considering supporting the, package but
53:25
others have privately raised concerns That senate negotiators won't be
53:28
able to achieve meaningful accountability, measures and some have said
53:31
that they would prefer THAT ic not be funded this,
53:34
year noting that the agency received seventy five billion dollars
53:36
from last Year's republican tax and spending. LAW ic would
53:40
be able to continue operating if it isn't, funded drawing
53:42
on that. Money, Quote we're going to have to evaluate
53:45
what the real opportunity is to get dramatic change at
53:47
The department Of Homeland. Security it needs to be, bold
53:50
needs to be, meaningful and it needs to be. Transformative
53:52
in Quote jeffreys told Reporters, friday quote absent a path
53:56
toward accomplish accomplishing dramatic change and making sure THAT i
54:00
AND dhs are conducting themselves like every other law enforcement
54:03
agency in the, country Then republicans are going to cause
54:06
another government shut. Down Quote republicans face their first Hurdle monday,
54:10
afternoon when A house committee responsible for setting legislative rules
54:14
and with a unique power to make it much harder
54:16
for bills to pass on the, floor meant to consider the,
54:18
measure approving it Later monday. Night that, panel The House Rules,
54:22
committee is stacked with conservative hardliners who have raised concerns
54:25
with the bipartisan, agreement But Representative Chip, Roy republican Of,
54:29
texas who is among those, hardliners Told Fox news On
54:32
saturday that he thinks they will advance the measure because,
54:34
quote we don't want to let our men and women
54:36
in uniform get held hostage. Quote once the government is,
54:39
funded he, Added republicans will push hard to ensure THE
54:42
dhs bill isn't held in limbo after the two week funding. Extension.
54:47
Quote ice is law. Enforcement they have a constitution on
54:50
legal duty to protect The american. People they've been doing
54:53
that in, Quote roy, said, quote so we're going to
54:55
stand up for them in. Quote Representative Ralph, Norman republican
54:59
Of South, carolina another one of the committee's, conservatives have
55:02
said he will support the ten day extension Quote i'll
55:05
reluctantly vote for the rule and give them the stupid
55:07
ten days and let's see how it plans. Out in,
55:09
quote he, said quote it's going to get shut. Down
55:12
let The democrats bear the. Consequences quote and our next.
55:16
Article more outer banks homes fall after historic storm Batters
55:20
North carolina. Coast at least four homes along The Cape
55:23
Cateras National seashore have crumbled amid high winds and rough.
55:27
Surf By Brady, dennis it happened, again and again and.
55:32
Again three more homes Along North carolina's outer banks collapsed
55:35
into the sea Overnight sunday and Into monday, morning bringing
55:39
the total to four since winter storm over the weekend
55:41
battered The Barrier islands with, snow high, winds and rolling.
55:44
Surf officials with The National Park service said the latest
55:47
collapse happened about nine a. M monday along an erosion
55:50
plague stretch of, coastline hours after two other unoccupied houses
55:54
met a similar. Fate those incidents followed the demise of
55:57
a nearby home in the early morning hours On. Sunday
56:00
the latest collapses left fresh heaps of debris littering the
56:03
beaches and miles of surf Near, buxton a small town
56:06
along The Cape Hatteras National, seashore where nighting homes have
56:09
surrendered to the sea since the middle Of. September the
56:11
beach in front of the entire village Of buxton remains Closed,
56:14
monday And National Parks serves Spokesman Mike barber said in
56:18
a statement that the agency quote advises every one to
56:20
stay away from the collapse sites and the surrounding beach
56:23
area due to potentially hazardous. Debris in. Quote photos and
56:27
videos by local residents that were posted on line captured
56:30
the most recent collapse as the gray shingled, homes wooden
56:33
piling snapped and buckled in the morning. Sun nearby aseptic
56:36
tanks set exposed to the. Tides quote there it goes
56:40
in quote a resident recording the video says other images
56:43
foretell what inevitably will be a slow clean. Up shingles and, furniture, cushions,
56:47
siding and twisted lumbers sat in soaking piles along the.
56:50
Beach quote the debris field is scattered from miles to
56:53
the south and out to. Sea in, quote one resident,
56:55
wrote the fallen homes were not the only casualty of the,
56:58
storm which brought blizzard like conditions To Hatteras islands with
57:02
winds gusting to forty five miles per hour and waves
57:05
Off Cape hatteras reaching up to twenty. Feet On monday,
57:08
morning The North Carolina department Of transportation said that N c,
57:11
twelve the key roadway through the Outer, banks remained closed
57:14
in multiple, places quote as we continued to see ocean
57:17
overwash from this weekend's nor'easter end, quote while the storm
57:22
that wreaked havoc in the area had moved out to.
57:24
Sea The National Weather service Warned monday that a high
57:27
serf advisory would remain in effect and that quote large
57:30
breaking waves of eight to twelve feet in quote remained.
57:33
Possible and that concludes the reading of The Washington post for,
57:40
Today february, third twenty twenty. Six your reader today has
57:44
Been Patrick. Leelucas if you have any, questions, comments or
57:47
suggestions concerning this, program please please feel free to call
57:50
us at eight five nine four two two six three nine.
57:53
Zero thank you for, listening and now please stay tuned
57:56
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